Latecomer to running dreaming big with UTMB goal

At just 55 years old, Suzannah Dowling is proving that it’s never too late to start chasing hefty running goals. The newbie runner from Otago only began running in late 2024, but has already made her mark as an ambassador for the Tarawera Ultra.

'I was gifted a box of CurraNZ for my birthday after I had mentioned seeing it on Mikki Williden’s social media and researched the product. I finished that box and as was feeling good about my exercise recovery while taking CurraNZ, I re-ordered and that is when I saw CurraNZ was looking for Tawarewa ambassadors. I took a chance and put my name forward. I have not been an ambassador for anything previously and had just started running.

I am 55 years old and am now 6 months new to running. My first event was the Queenstown Marathon 10k; I was gifted the entry for my 55^th birthday and had a handful of weeks to train up to the 10K, which I doubted I could do. I surprised myself by finishing better than expected.’ 

Suzannah then entered the T21 at Tarawera and hoped to finish at around the 3:30 mark; she finished 2:36 and 12th in category. 

‘I have entered another trail event before winter sets in and have fingers crossed my pre-running injuries don’t throw damper to those plans … I also have some bigger future goals, such as crossing the finish line of a UTMB final event – it may be a bit ambitious but it would be fantastic if I can.

'CurraNZ has supported my recovery during training; I have largely been able to keep to my training schedule, minus the odd sidestep navigating around old injuries. CurraNZ is supporting me move forward with my goals and I’ll keep taking it while I’m running as I really did not expect to get to this distance.’

Watch this space – Suzannah is just getting started!